Visual Training and Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation in Hemianopia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Visual Training and Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation in Hemianopia
IRAS ID
274231
Contact name
David Wilkinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Kent
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Hemianopia is a common consequence of stroke, and is characterised by cortical blindness in one half of the visual field. This can severely impact the daily functioning and quality of life of stroke survivors. Visual search training, in which individuals are encouraged to move their gaze into their blind hemifield to compensate for their difficulty, can be partly effective in treating hemianopia. Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation which has shown to provide therapeutic benefit in allied neurological populations with visual disability. We plan to implement a novel intervention which combines visual search training with GVS in an effort to ameliorate hemianopia.
Ten participants diagnosed with homonynous hemianopia will be recruited through East Kent Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust and enrolled for twelve weeks in this single-blind pilot study. Participants will undergo four weeks of training: two weeks of visual training with concurrent active GVS, and two weeks of visual training alongside placebo stimulation. Change in visual performance will be assessed using computerised tasks and impact on daily functioning will be measured using a questionnaire.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/EE/0378
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion